ORLANDO, Fla. — When the new I-4 Ultimate toll express lanes open in early 2022, drivers can expect to pay a flat rate of 50 cents per segment.

So driving on the entire 21 mile stretch on I-4 west will cost drivers $3. A drive on the little longer toll lanes of I-4 east is $3.50.​

Eventually the toll rate will change based on congestion.

“What we’ll be doing relative to the express lanes is as congestion increases, as the number of people that use the lane increases, we’ll be going through and making sure the pricing is keeping up with it. We’re trying to ensure a reliable trip for the folks on those lanes,” said Jeremy Dilmore, FDOT Transportation Systems Management and Operations engineer.

Electronic signs will post the current rate.

Nick Storniolo, the delivery manager for In Bloom Florist in Orlando says he'll be using the toll lanes for both professional and personal business.

“I think definitely it will make a big improvement to get to places quicker, especially when you’re doing long distances,” Storniolo said.
Right now crews are testing the toll express lanes before they open to drivers.

“The tolling system is pretty rigorist testing, that’s the phase we’re currently in now," said FDOT District Traffic Operations Engineer Jim Stroz. "So we want to make sure the equipment is operating efficiently, and more importantly accurately, especially if we’re going to be sending folks bills in the mail.”

Drivers need to have a transponder like a Sunpass or Epass to use the toll lanes on I-4.

There is no pay by plate.

That means if drivers don’t have a transponder and they accidently get in a toll lane, they could face a $25 fine. 

"If drivers mistakenly enter the express lanes or if they missed their exit, it’s very important that they do not stop or do not try to back up," said Stroz. "They’re encouraged to continue on and exit the express lanes. And can reach out to a customer service center.”

While the toll lanes are optional for drivers who want to avoid congestion, FDOT believes the addition of the lanes will help all I-4 drivers.

“One of the common misconceptions is folks believe the express lanes will just benefit drivers that utilize the express lanes, and it actually benefits the entire corridor," said Stroz. "For every vehicle that opts to use the express lanes that’s one less vehicle in the general use lanes. It really is a benefit to the entire corridor.”

The new toll lanes also open up new entrance ramps to I-4 from streets that in the past have not had direct access to I-4.

“Drivers will have two different options to enter and exit the express lanes," said Stroz. "The more common ones are going to be the slip lanes from the general use lanes. (The second option is) direct connect ramps. And those can be from various surface streets like Central Parkway up in Altamonte Springs, South Street in downtown Orlando, and even Grand National in the attractions area.”

Construction on the more than 2 billion dollar project has taken six years to complete, much to the frustration of drivers that have had to deal with lane closures, roads blocked and congestion.

The money collected from the new I-4 express lanes will be used to pay back FDOT's contractor for the construction of the project.

Drivers are encouraged to plan their route ahead of time using the new FDOT website, i4express.com.